Need some help presenting MC to our lake board....

[RobertT]

Currently on our lake they only allow 4.3L I/Os up to 20'4".

Ski boats are allowed, but only if they are USA Waterski approved, less than 351C.I., under 3,000lbs, no ballast.

We are presenting arguments to the board requesting that they entertain allowing Vdrive boats (which are currently not legal nor meet USAWS approval).

My argument is that if they allow a 20'4" Cobalt that is 4,300lbs and can go over 50 mph, why not allow a Maristar 200?????

We have a pretty good list, but wanted to pull from the considerable mental resources of this board for good arguments.

so far, we have:

1. Goes slower
2. Safer (prop under boat)
3. Safer for other boats (no bow rise, with underpowered I/O you cant see squat for 10 seconds)
4. Less wake, exspecially when compared to the Cobalt getting up to planing speed.
5. Less emissions, due to newer engine and less fuel consumption at cruising speed.
6. Family friendly seating arrangement.



Help all, any other ideas?

[Ric]

Originally Posted by RobertT

Currently on our lake they only allow 4.3L I/Os up to 20'4".

Ski boats are allowed, but only if they are USA Waterski approved, less than 351C.I., under 3,000lbs, no ballast.

We are presenting arguments to the board requesting that they entertain allowing Vdrive boats (which are currently not legal nor meet USAWS approval).

My argument is that if they allow a 20'4" Cobalt that is 4,300lbs and can go over 50 mph, why not allow a Maristar 200?????

We have a pretty good list, but wanted to pull from the considerable mental resources of this board for good arguments.

so far, we have:

1. Goes slower
2. Safer (prop under boat)
3. Safer for other boats (no bow rise, with underpowered I/O you cant see squat for 10 seconds)
4. Less wake, exspecially when compared to the Cobalt getting up to planing speed.
5. Less emissions, due to newer engine and less fuel consumption at cruising speed.
6. Family friendly seating arrangement.



Help all, any other ideas?

this topic oughta raise some interesting wintertime chatter

[RobertT]

Yea, couldn't hurt. Seriously though, there are so many people out there that have the Cobalt or Regal I/O with the 4.3 that would kill for an X2 or Maristar. Just doesn't make sense not to allow them.

[shepherd]

What was the purpose of the original rules? One thing I see is that they want to restrict the use of large 8-cylinder engines, making a concession only for tournament ski boats to satisfy the die-hard skier lobby. This may be interpreted by opponents as a "they give an inch, you want a mile" scenario.

What about noise? That (along with speed) may be one reason they originally restricted engine size. If you can show that your inboard v-drive is no louder than a 6 cyl I/O, that would help. Not sure if the numbers would be in your favor though...

What about outboards, waverunners and pontoon boats? Are they allowed? Just curious.

[shepherd]

Originally Posted by RobertT

there are so many people out there that have the Cobalt or Regal I/O with the 4.3 that would kill for an X2 or Maristar.

If that's the case, you shouldn't have a problem to get the votes you need to change the rules, or replace the board members who oppose it... (?)

[skeeler]

Move......

[RobertT]

Originally Posted by shepherd

What was the purpose of the original rules? One thing I see is that they want to restrict the use of large 8-cylinder engines, making a concession only for tournament ski boats to satisfy the die-hard skier lobby. This may be interpreted by opponents as a "they give an inch, you want a mile" scenario.

What about noise? That (along with speed) may be one reason they originally restricted engine size. If you can show that your inboard v-drive is no louder than a 6 cyl I/O, that would help. Not sure if the numbers would be in your favor though...

What about outboards, waverunners and pontoon boats? Are they allowed? Just curious.

You have it right on. They did make a concession for the die-hard skiers and really didnt like that. Noise is a big issue, and our inboards are MUCH louder than any I/O. Don't want to bring that one up.

Outboards are limited to 125hp, no wave runners, pontoon boats are fine up to 125hp, no jet boats. No boats longer than 20'4" or shorter than 16'. No ballast of any kind allowed, max speed on the lake is 40mph although the water patrol works for us so no tickets are issued.

The problem is that like most lakes, there are a ton of older retired men that only own pontoon boats and would love to lock down the lake to 40hp pontoons. Those men always show up in force to any meeting, while the majority is not represented well. Not many people are willing to give up an evening to get grilled about a boat they will probably never own. Not many people are willing to spend 60 grand on a Vdrive when they can get a larger boat that handles chop better (Cobalt) for 20 grand less.

Only a select few know why we want them, and its a hard fight.

[RobertT]

Originally Posted by skeeler

Move......

Truth is that I probably wouldn't even buy one. I love my boat, and I love the fact that we can slalom, barefoot, do anything with my X7. I live on the lake, so I dont need to have 10 people on my boat. We pass my dock every ten minutes.

However, and this is the personal reason why I want to see the change, I can see my next boat perhaps being a Vdrive the way things are going. Its all about having more options in the future bro!

[Jesus_Freak]

Originally Posted by RobertT

...Those men always show up in force to any meeting, while the majority is not represented well. Not many people are willing to give up an evening...

I have found this with community board meetings as well. The majority are certainly not represented. It makes for a tough battle.

[beatle78]

I have dealt with similar issues w/ my lake board (I'm on it).

First, I would try to get people that would vote in your favor on the board.... yourself included. Start making calls and get your friends on the ballot for the upcoming elections (we do ours in January). A LOT of times only the old people with nothing better to do are on the board. You need to pull in some younger candidates.

Second, You mean to tell me that the new Indmar w. the cat. converter gives off higher emmisions that a 1992 4.3 L that requires 1qt of oil each day before you use it?

3rd, I have an '01 205V that is MUCH quieter than my '01 BU DD with no silencer. So why is the DD allowed and not the quieter V drive?

4th, remember people are STUPID! Meaning they make decisions without knowing the facts(I'm guilty of this as well sometimes). You need to present the facts in such a way that they feel obligated to vote yes b/c it would be irresponsible not to. Just be careful they don't decide to ban all Ski.Wakeboard boats.

good luck.
beatle78